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Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe

4.8 from 123 reviews

A vibrant and tangy cranberry salsa that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeños and the freshness of cilantro. This easy-to-make salsa is great for serving with tortilla chips or as a flavorful topping for softened cream cheese and crackers, making it a festive addition to any appetizer spread.

Ingredients

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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion
  • 1 to 2 medium jalapeños, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Rinse and prepare cranberries: Rinse and drain 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, picking over them carefully to discard any that are soft or bruised. Place the cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse until they are finely chopped but not mushy.
  2. Combine ingredients: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup sliced green onion, 1 to 2 minced medium jalapeños depending on your preferred heat level, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger.
  3. Add lemon juice and sugar: Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 cup granulated sugar over the mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve.
  4. Chill the salsa: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salsa for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and reduces the initial tartness, resulting in a flavorful salsa.
  5. Serve: Serve the cranberry salsa chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or spoon it over softened cream cheese to enjoy with crackers for a delicious appetizer.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture.
  • Sugar can be reduced or substituted with a sweetener of choice for lower sugar content.
  • The salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allowing the salsa to sit refrigerated overnight enhances the flavor even more.

Keywords: cranberry salsa, holiday appetizer, fresh cranberry dip, spicy salsa, easy cranberry recipe, festive appetizer